Random Ramsdom: New rule change could increase success chance for onside kicks

Aside from the jersey-number expansion for specific positions, the NFL also approved several other rule changes, including one that could lead to more recovered onside kicks by the kicking team.

However, the change is only on a one-year trial. Up until now, receiving teams were able to put their entire team within 25 yards of the ball. Now, teams will be limited to just nine players within 25 yards. The rule will hopefully allow for more recoveries following a 2020 season that saw only three onside kicks recovered out of 67 attempts, good for the lowest recovery rate since 2001.

Other notables pieces from the NFL’s votes from Wednesday include making taunting a point of emphasis for the refs and the elimination of overtime during preseason competitions.

Now for today’s links.

Rams News:

The NFL is releasing the 2021 schedule on May 12 (TheRams.com)

Darious Williams signed his first-round tender (TheRams.com)

Will Cam Akers make the switch back to #3? (The Rams Wire)

Will the NFL’s stance on ant-taunting hurt the Rams? (Ramblin’ Fan)

NFL News:

A first-round mock with 32 trades (ESPN)

Owners approve jersey number expansion (NFL.com)

The NFL okay’d several rule changes and proposals (ESPN)

The 49ers are signing Arden Key and Wayne Gallman (NFL.com)

Who are the draft’s biggest game-changers? (Bleacher Report)

An NFL agent discusses the fifth-year options for the class of 2018 (CBS Sports)